Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday, June 8, asserted that he would preside over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, insisting that he remains the legitimate Senate President.
However, he noted that if the bloc led by Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President Win Gatchalian secures 13 votes, he would have no problem with that.
“As soon as they have 13, walang problema sila na,“ he said during a press briefing on June 8.
Cayetano said he is making the assertion in defense of the independence of the Senate, stressing that the chamber should not act as a “rubber stamp” of Malacañang.
“So I have to assert because may pinaglalaban tayo. Pinaglalaban ko hindi yung si Alan Cayetano ang Senate President. Ang pinaglalaban natin, ang Senado, hindi pwedeng rubber stamp ng Malacañang,” he said.
He also emphasized that the Senate must remain independent, saying senators should not merely echo positions coming from the executive branch.
“Hindi po pwede na hindi independent yung Senate. Hindi pwedeng may hearing ka katulad kanina, yung bibig na bumubukas ay Senador pero yung lumalabas na salita galing sa Malacañang,” he added.
When asked about the rules for selecting the presiding officer in impeachment trials, he said, “They illegally amended the rules. They illegally had a session. So in due time, there will have to be something that will decide.”
He added that he would continue to assert his position, not for personal interest, but for constitutional principle.
“I have to assert, not for myself, but for the truth and for the Constitution. But it's still one month eh. At hindi kami nakikipag-agawan sa silya doon,” Cayetano said.
Cayetano accused Malacañang of allegedly being behind the changes in the Senate.
“First, yung pananakot nila sa mga miyembro namin na lumipat, yung offer na wala nang kaso pag lumipat. Second, as soon as nila ginawa, naglabas sila na ang House at ang Malacañang ay dun pumapabor,“ he emphasized.
He added that Malacañang could have taken a “neutral stance“, saying that the matter should be settled among the senators themselves. He said the same should apply to the House prosecution.
“Hindi naman nila gusto ng fair na impeachment. Gusto nila yung may pinipili na silang grupo. That's why sabi ko sa inyo, if I'm wrong, they blame me,“ Cayetano added.
Earlier, Gatchalian said he would preside over the impeachment trial of the Vice President, citing his position as Acting Senate President under the Senate leadership structure he recognizes.
Gatchalian also said that senator-judges would need to retake their oath under his leadership once proceedings formally begin.
